When a crash breaks several bones in your face
Function, follow up and urgent warning signs, as seen by a maxillofacial surgeon and an eye specialist
A hard hit can break more than your nose. The cheek, eye socket, upper jaw or lower jaw may be hurt at the same time. Swelling can hide what has shifted. A maxillofacial surgeon, who treats the face and jaw, checks the bones, your bite and how your face works. If the eye or its socket may be involved, an eye specialist checks your vision and eye movement. Safety comes first, then getting function back. [1, 2]
Learn exactly what was injured
Ask for the names of your fractures in everyday language. Find out if the eye socket, jaw, teeth, sinuses or nerves are involved. Ask what the exam and imaging tests showed. Also ask what can’t be known until the swelling goes down. Whether you need surgery depends on function, where the bones sit and your other injuries. Don’t assume every facial fracture calls for an operation. [1]
Keep track of how your face is working
Tell your team about double or blurry vision or pain when you move an eye. Mention a bite that no longer lines up or trouble opening your mouth. Also report trouble breathing through your nose or numbness in your cheek or lip. Note which symptoms are changing. A photo can show swelling or shape. It can’t take the place of an eye or bite exam. [1, 2]
Follow the limits for your fracture
Ask about food texture, mouth care, sleep position, blowing your nose, activity and when your follow up visits are. These instructions vary with the bones involved and whether you had surgery. Write them down. Different specialists may seem to give you conflicting advice. If so, ask the team to combine it into one plan. [1]
Get urgent care for new vision loss, double vision that gets worse, severe eye pain, trouble breathing or heavy bleeding. Report a fever, a bite that changes, or swelling that grows after it had started to go down. If a basic function is getting worse, don’t wait for a cosmetic follow up visit. [1, 2]
Questions for your surgeon
- Which bones in my face, and which nearby structures, are hurt?
- Who will check my vision, bite and breathing at follow up?
- What kind of change means I should call before my next visit?
Record your starting point
Sources and further reading
The guidance here is general and comes from maxillofacial surgery and eye care. New vision loss, severe double vision, trouble breathing or heavy bleeding needs urgent medical care.
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